It's a British expression so it might not be understood globally, especially where British English isn't common. In an international meeting, saying 'come a cropper' confused my American colleagues.
Pro Tip 2/3
Not Literal
It doesn't mean a physical fall, but a figurative one related to making mistakes or failing tasks. After missing his project deadline, he really came a cropper at work.
Pro Tip 3/3
Negative Outcome
Used to describe a situation with a poor or undesirable result, not a minor inconvenience. I tried to fix the car myself and came a cropper when it broke down again.